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Molina wants Spanish translation for Gold Line. “La Linea de Oro”?

When light rail returns to the Eastside neighborhoods of Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles this summer, many Spanish-speaking residents will undoubtedly talk about taking el tren.

But will commuters say they are riding La Linea de Oro? L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina will propose during an MTA board meeting today that the Eastside extension of the Gold Line be officially named La Linea de Oro, Edward R. Roybal.

If the motion is approved, it will be the first time the name of an MTA facility, rail or bus line has been translated from English to Spanish, said MTA spokesman Jose Ubaldo. In her motion, Molina says that Spanish has been a “cornerstone of Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles” and that several community members asked that the rail line be referred to in that language, as well as honor the late Latino congressman, who grew up in Boyle Heights.

Molina could not be reached for comment. Boyle Heights and East L.A. are more than 95% Latino, with a huge Spanish-speaking population.

Lupe Bojorquez, 59, a Neighborhood Watch captain, said she has talked in the past with Molina about naming the Eastside stretch of the lineLa Linea de Oro.“I think it would be a nice gesture if it was named in Spanish,” Bojorquez said.

Although a date has not been set, the Gold Line extension is expected to open as early as June.